The Christian Education Ministry and the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco are excited to announce the 2021 Saint John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival. This program provides a valuable educational opportunity for youth to express their faith, gain important skills in public speaking, and to deepen their knowledge about theology and its application in our world today.
“Even in a virtual setting, the Saint John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival remains one of the strongest and most impactful educational ministries for youth. I am always uplifted by the eloquence of our young people and the commitment to the Lord they demonstrate through their inspiring their presentations,” shared His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos. “I encourage our youth to participate in the Oratorical Festival and continue to learn and grow in their knowledge of our Orthodox faith.”
In order to make this event a reality while still navigating through limitations brought forth by the pandemic, adjustments were necessary for the safety of all participants. Visit https://sforatorical.net for more details on how you can participate today!
Timeline
February and March
Parish Festivals
Parishes may choose to hold live and socially-distanced festivals,
live Zoom festivals, or video submission festivals. Parishes have until
March 31 to complete their Parish Festival.
April
District Festivals
Districts may choose to hold live and socially-distanced Festivals, live Zoom Festivals, or video submission Festivals. See information for District Chairpersons. Districts have until April 30 to complete their District Festival.
May
Metropolis Festival
The Metropolis of San Francisco Oratorical Festival will take place
in two ways. First, District finalists will be asked to submit a video
of their speech for judging. (See information for District Finalists.)
Then, on Saturday, May 15, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. PST, the speakers will be introduced at a live Zoom meeting, at which time Metropolis finalists will be announced.
June
National Oratorical Festival
The National Oratorical Festival for the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America will take place live via Zoom on Saturday, June 12, 2021.
For more information, please contact: Aristi Contos-Anagnos, Dr. Eve Tibbs, or Johanna Duterte Carter.